Giant Molecules: Essential Materials for Everyday Living and Problem Solving

A primer for students and researchers, now completely revised and updated
Giant molecules are the fundamental building blocks of our entire world, providing the structural bases for our bodies (genes, proteins, nucleic acids), our food (complex carbohydrates, starches), our homes (wood, concrete), and our environments (plants, clothing, biomaterial, paper, etc.). Equal parts technical guide for the practitioner and college text, Giant Molecules, Second Edition delivers a fascinating primer on these ubiquitous materials.
The book begins with essential, conceptual basics, assuming no prior scientific knowledge whatsoever, then moves swiftly to apply these fundamentals to real–world materials. The majority of the text addresses material concepts and their various applications. A pictorial approach is employed throughout. The author uses sweeping, striking drawings, pictures, and figures to explain why particular giant molecules behave the way they do, and why some, for example, are suitable to the human genome while others are used to construct bulletproof vests. Each chapter contains a glossary, bibliography, and questions and answers for the reader’s reference. Chapters include:ThermoplasticsFibersRubbers (Elastomers)Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and AdhesivesThe Plant KingdomThe Animal KingdomThe Future of Giant Molecules
The author also includes a selection of helpful Web sites in each chapter for additional reference. Giant Molecules remains an unparalleled resource for researchers and students concerned with scientific fundamentals.

Spis treści:
Preface.
The Building Blocks of Our World.
Small Organic Molecules.
Introduction to the Science of Giant Molecules.
Relationships Between the Properties and Structure of Giant Molecules.
Physical and Chemical Testing of Polymers.
Thermoplastics.
Engineering Plastics.
Thermosets.
Fibe rs.
Rubbers (Elastomers)
Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and Adhesives.
Composites.
Nature′s Giant Molecules: The Plant Kingdom.
Nature′s Giant Molecules: The Animal Kingdom.
Derivatives of Natural Polymers.
Inorganic Polymers.
Specialty Polymers.
Additives and Starting Materials.
The Future of Giant Molecules.
Appendix 1. Studying Giant Molecules.
Appendix 2. Electronic Web Sites.
Index.

Nota biograficzna:
CHARLES E. CARRAHER Jr., PhD, is Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and is associate director of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.

Okładka tylna:
A primer for students and researchers, now completely revised and updated
Giant molecules are the fundamental building blocks of our entire world, providing the structural bases for our bodies (genes, proteins, nucleic acids), our food (complex carbohydrates, starches), our homes (wood, concrete), and our environments (plants, clothing, biomaterial, paper, etc.). Equal parts technical guide for the practitioner and college text, Giant Molecules, Second Edition delivers a fascinating primer on these ubiquitous materials.
The book begins with essential, conceptual basics, assuming no prior scientific knowledge whatsoever, then moves swiftly to apply these fundamentals to real–world materials. The majority of the text addresses material concepts and their various applications. A pictorial approach is employed throughout. The author uses sweeping, striking drawings, pictures, and figures to explain why particular giant molecules behave the way they do, and why some, for example, are suitable to the human genome while others are used to construct bulletproof vests. Each chapter contains a glossary, bibliography, and questions and answers for the reader’s reference. Chapters include:ThermoplasticsFibersRubber s (Elastomers)Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and AdhesivesThe Plant KingdomThe Animal KingdomThe Future of Giant Molecules
The author also includes a selection of helpful Web sites in each chapter for additional reference. Giant Molecules remains an unparalleled resource for researchers and students concerned with scientific fundamentals.